HILO vs. KAILUA-KONA: WINDWARD AND LEEWARD
Fig. 3. Leeward and windward sides of the Hawaiian Islands.
Hawai‘i Island (also known as 'Big Island') serves as a great example to contrast windward and leeward coral reefs. Hilo town is on the windward side of Hawai‘i island and receives in excess of 160 inches of rain a year! Hilo is lush and verdant with numerous rivers and rich agricultural lands. In contrast, the leeward region of Hawai‘i island, specifically the moku (or district) of Kailua-Kona is hot and dry (ideal for growing coffee) and received only ~12 inches of annual rainfall. These two areas (Hilo town and Kailua-Kona) are on the same island, yet their climates share very little in common. This difference is to due to the large volcanoes (dormant and active) that span the island, which act to obstruct and collect moisture, therefore creating drastically different conditions across the island (windward vs. leeward).
We acknowledged that rainfall can affect the land, its climate, and terrestrial organisms, but what about life in the sea?
Does the geography of islands affect the quality and clarity of coral reef waters and reef-dwelling organisms such as corals?
What differences are there among windward and leeward coral reef ecosystems?
Does the geography of islands affect the quality and clarity of coral reef waters and reef-dwelling organisms such as corals?
What differences are there among windward and leeward coral reef ecosystems?
